Your Morning Routine Needs a Morning Routine.

I thought I had the perfect "morning routine" until I started this one...

Everyone has some kind of morning routine, whether you call it a routine or not. Maybe instead of a routine, you have certain things you do in the morning that have simply become an accumulation of habits. For example: brushing your teeth, taking a shower, drinking a cup of coffee, etc. These are all things that we have become accustomed to doing (and should probably do anyways), but let's add to that, shall we?

Consistency is KEY.

“Success doesn't come from what we do occasionally. It comes from what we do consistently.”

To me, a morning routine isn't just simply a routine, but something I look forward to the night before as I've created one that excites me. When I started this routine, I could feel both internal and external changes immediately, and no, this is not some type of salesmanship propaganda... that doesn't exist on this blog.

So, what's MY routine?

• First things first, I open my near-sighted eyes (because at the age of 24, I can't see far away without my glasses, ha!)

• As I'm laying down and waking up, I state at least three things that I'm grateful for, three goals of mine for the day, and three positive things about myself.

• Water. Water. Water. I drink a room temperature glass (8 oz.) of water... and if I'm feelin' fancy, I may squeeze some fresh lemon into that.

• Then, the needs of my favorite (and extra needy) fur-ball, Rufus. I make sure he has all the water he needs, and fill his bowl with the most glamorous meal - Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Food.

• Making sure I move my body is something important to me, not for any other reason than the fact that it makes me FEEL GOOD. I'll either go to SPENGA or walk out to the sand for a nice beach walk.

• After I've moved my body, I try to eat something with a good amount of protein in it to keep my muscles healthy and my body fueled.

• As I do the "normal" things to get ready, i.e., showering, brushing my teeth, etc, I look in the mirror at myself and say five empowering affirmations - more on this later.

• Then... my day begins. "A Day in the Life" will be a whole other topic, and I can promise you, it's always different.

So, you may be asking yourself, "where are the time increments" or "what time does my alarm go off"? Ah, you caught me! Purposely, I don't put set times in place for my routine... this is because I never want to feel guilty or "off-balance" for not meeting a time requirement because that's not what this routine is about. What if you work a 7am-7pm job? What if you don't start work until 7pm? This routine can be done at any time to accommodate any schedule, it may just be at different times.

Affirmations...

“I am becoming the best version of myself.”

Something I've added into my morning routine, especially before I leave my home for the day, are affirmations. Each morning, I stand in front of my mirror, looking at the reflection of myself, and say my own personal list of affirmations. Speaking kindly to yourself and stating those words out loud is a practice I've adopted, and have never looked back since. Don't know where to start? My affirmations always start with "I am..." but they don't necessarily have to be done that way. I'll include just a couple of mine (by the way, this list can ALWAYS be changed, and done anywhere to preference).

• I am successful.

• I am kind to myself and others.

• I am creating a life that I love.

• I am choosing to deflect any and all negativity.

• I am enough.

Kind words do not just create a physical impact, but also impact our thinking and mental health. This morning routine was something I created for myself, and I am so happy to share it with you all!